Nonablative laser certification requirements

1. Didactic training requirements. a. An advanced esthetician applying for cosmetic laser certification shall complete a minimum of forty hours of didactic instruction through a board-approved training provider, which may be delivered in person or through a distance learning format. b. The curriculum for didactic training must include, at a minimum: (1) Principles of laser and intense pulsed light physics and fundamentals; (2) Human skin and hair biology, including Fitzpatrick skin typing; (3) Indications and contraindications for laser procedures; (4) Client consultation, assessment, and informed consent procedures; (5) Laser safety, hazard control, and protective measures; (6) Infection control and universal precautions; (7) Equipment operation, calibration, and maintenance; and (8) Documentation, recordkeeping, and post-treatment care protocols. 2. Hands-on clinical training requirements. a. An advanced esthetician shall complete a minimum of forty-eight hours of supervised hands-on clinical training that involves direct use of approved laser and intense pulsed light devices on live models or patients. b. Clinical training may be conducted in any of the following settings: (1) A licensed establishment, or similar clinical setting under the supervision of a qualified licensed health care provider as defined in this section; or (2) A board-approved laser training facility or a board-licensed school. c. The hands-on clinical training must include direct experience with FDA-cleared laser and intense pulsed light devices and must include, at a minimum: (1) Ten laser hair removal procedures; (2) Ten photo rejuvenation or intense pulsed light skin rejuvenation procedures; (3) Ten procedures addressing benign pigmented or vascular lesions; and (4) Observation and simulation of emergency procedures and adverse event response. The supervising instructor or supervising health care provider must be present in the room during treatments and must document all procedures and certify the applicant's competency by submitting a signed affidavit to the board. 3. Laser safety and competency certification. a. Applicants shall pass a laser safety examination approved by the board, which must be based on recognized safety standards such as American national standards institute Z136. b. A complete application for certification must include: (1) Verification of didactic training; (2) Verification of clinical training and signed affidavit of competency; and (3) Proof of passing the board-approved laser safety examination.